(October 14, 2012) GLASGOW, Scotland — Volvo's all-new V40 has been named "Best Executive Hatchback" at the 2012 Scottish Car of the Year Awards, judged and hosted by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, held at the Thistle Glasgow hotel on Friday 12th October.

The Volvo V40, launched in Europe earlier this year, has been an instant hit with journalists and the buying public, selling fast across the UK.  With its fresh Scandinavian design, innovative safety features and exciting driving dynamics, the V40 showcases Volvo's new Designed Around You philosophy, putting the driver at the centre of the ride experience through handling, style, comfort and advanced technology.  The V40 is available from £19,995 ($32,000).

"Cutting a dash in the executive sector is no easy task, especially when you want a car that has bags of practicality too.This year proved sensible does go hand in hand with sensational, with the variety the SCOTY judging panel had to choose from. In the end, one car stood out for so many reasons, not least its looks, drive and safety," said John Murdoch, President of the ASMW.



The V40's standard-fit, world's first pedestrian airbag, combined with Volvo's established City Safety and Pedestrian detection technology, earned it recognition as joint winner of this year's Safety Award.

The system is designed to help cushion the impact of a pedestrian hitting the vehicle by lifting the bonnet to create an extra deformation zone, fully inflating the airbag and covering the lower parts of the A-pillar and bottom third of the windscreen, all within a few milliseconds of the impact.  The pedestrian airbag has also contributed towards the V40 receiving the highest ever recorded score by Euro NCAP.

Revealed earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the V40 is soon to be joined on the road by the R-Design and Cross Country derivatives which were launched last month at the Paris Motor Show.  These two new models will satisfy those drivers who want a more sports-inspired or rugged look to their V40.